Latest news with #Naga-inhabited
Time of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Manipur: Naga forum objects to presence of Kuki militant camps in Naga ancestral areas
The Foothills Naga Coordination Committee (FNCC) has submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister of India through the Governor of Manipur, raising strong objections to the continued presence and proposed relocation of Suspension of Operations (SoO) camps belonging to Kuki militant groups in and around Naga ancestral territories. The committee expressed deep concern that the existence of these camps, as well as the SoO agreement itself, poses a serious threat to communal harmony, constitutional order, and national security in the state. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category The FNCC stated that no SoO camps, whether existing or proposed, should be allowed within Naga-inhabited areas without the knowledge and informed consent of the Naga people. They specifically mentioned the regions of Kharam Vaiphei and Kotlen as part of historically and culturally significant Naga territories. The committee warned that any attempt to establish camps in these areas would be seen as an act of provocation and aggression, likely to incite communal unrest with consequences that could exceed the violence of May 3, 2023. Tracing the origins of the SoO agreement, the FNCC noted that it began as a bilateral arrangement on August 1, 2005, and was later formalised into a tripartite agreement in 2008 between the Government of India, the Government of Manipur, and Kuki militant groups, including the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and the United People's Front (UPF). Live Events The FNCC accused Kuki militants of repeatedly violating the terms of the SoO agreement, citing numerous incidents of violence, including kidnappings, arson, assaults, land encroachment, extortion, and attacks on civilians. These incidents, which occurred between March 2023 and July 2025, were described as part of a calculated effort to carry out territorial aggression, ethnic domination, and demographic manipulation. The committee claimed that the SoO camps have evolved into operational hubs for militant expansion, intimidation, and illegal activities such as poppy cultivation, especially in Naga areas like Makhan and Leikhampokpi. The FNCC lamented that the SoO agreement continues to be renewed annually without accountability, raising serious doubts about the intent behind the process. The group criticised the state and central governments for what it called dangerous appeasement policies that have only emboldened lawlessness and eroded public trust in democratic governance. The FNCC declared an indefinite bandh on the movement of Kukis within the foothill regions of Naga-inhabited areas, effective from midnight of July 18. Meiteis, belonging to the erstwhile ruling class, account for 53% of Manipur's population and live mostly in the Imphal valley. Naga and Kuki tribes constitute 40% of the population and live in the hill districts. More than 260 people have been killed, and around 70,000 people from different communities have been rendered homeless in the ethnic violence between the Meiteis and Kuki-Zo-Hmar communities since May 3. Manipur has been under President's Rule since February 13, four days after the resignation of N. Biren Singh from the Chief Minister's post.
The Hindu
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
People evicted in Assam may move to Nagaland, warns students' body
GUWAHATI A students' body in Nagaland has warned against the possible inward movement of 'alleged illegal immigrants' evicted from government land in Assam. More than 50,000 people, mostly Bengali-speaking Muslims, have been evicted from reserve forests, wetlands, grazing lands, wastelands, etc., in northeastern and western Assam since June. Resistance to these drives claimed the life of one person in the Goalpara district a few days ago. On Monday (July 21, 2025), the Western Sümi Students' Union (WSSU) expressed deep concern over the ongoing eviction drive in Assam. Its president, Ikato Khulu, and general secretary, Vitoka N. Rochill, issued a statement, saying such drives are threatening areas inhabited by Nagas along the border with Assam. 'It is alarming that such activities are beginning to infringe upon Nagaland's territory, posing a direct threat to the rightful ownership of our land and the safety and security of its residents. These border communities have lived peacefully for generations and have acted as de facto custodians of our State's boundary,' they said. Risk of conflict 'It is pertinent to mention that the alleged illegal immigrants reside near Naga-inhabited areas along the Assam-Nagaland border. This situation further heightens the risks of conflict, displacement, and demographic pressure on our vulnerable border communities,' they said. The WSSU asked the Nagaland government to immediately deploy security forces 'to deter unauthorised actions by external authorities' and ensure 'swift and effective protection of our people.' It also sought steps to prevent a potential influx of illegal immigrants. 'The large-scale evictions, push-backs, and expedited deportations currently underway in Assam will likely trigger displacement-driven movement into Nagaland,' the union stated, resenting the 'slow and inadequate' response of the Nagaland administration to the threat. Dismantle SoO camps In neighbouring Manipur, another Naga organisation has asked the Centre to immediately dismantle camps for Kuki extremist outfits located 'in or around Naga ancestral territories' in the State. These groups had signed the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with the Centre in 2008. In a memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Foothills Naga Coordination Committee accused the SoO groups of repeatedly violating the terms of the agreement. The committee cited a long list of alleged crimes and violent acts committed by these groups between 2023 and 2025, including extortion, assaults, kidnappings, and the burning of villages. The committee said the SoO agreement 'has become a sanctuary for armed criminals rather than a tool for peace. 'The continued presence and reported relocation of SoO camps into Naga areas represent a direct threat to communal harmony, constitutional order, and national security,' it stated in the memorandum. The committee warned that any attempt to impose such camps in Naga areas would be seen as an act of aggression.
Hans India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Hans India
Manipur: Kuki-Zo body again urges FNCC to lift shutdown, allow passage through Naga areas
Imphal: The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC), the apex body of the Kuki-Zo tribal community, on Sunday once again urged the Foothills Naga Coordination Committee (FNCC) to immediately lift the shutdown and allow the safe passage to the people belonging to the Kuki-Zo community through the Naga-inhabited areas of Manipur. The FNCC called for an indefinite shutdown from midnight on Friday on the movement of Kuki-Zo tribals within the foothill regions of Naga-inhabited areas. The FNCC had stated that the shutdown is a peaceful but firm protest against what it describes as threats to the ancestral land, identity, and security of the Naga people. FNCC Secretary B. Robin Kabui, in a statement, said that the first concern is the proposed construction of roads through Naga ancestral territories without prior knowledge or consent of the Naga people. The committee termed it a blatant disregard for traditional ownership rights. The KZC, in a statement on Sunday, reiterated that the German-Tiger road in the Naga people's inhabited areas is a humanitarian lifeline that was initiated by Kuki-Zo civil society organisations out of sheer necessity. KZC's Secretary, Information and Publicity, Ginza Vualzong, said that following the ethnic violence that erupted on May 3, 2023, it became unsafe and impossible for Kuki-Zo people to travel through Meitei-dominated areas. 'As a result, the community had no choice but to revive and upgrade an old inter-village track, now known as the German-Tiger Road, to connect the districts of Churachandpur and Kangpokpi. Similarly, as Sugnu is no longer accessible, we are compelled to depend solely on the Singheu route to stay connected with Churachandpur, Chandel, and Tengnoupal, despite the absence of a viable bridge,' Vualzong said in a statement. They strongly condemned the 'baseless and malicious accusations being circulated by certain Meitei groups branding the German-Tiger Road and Singheu Road as 'drug routes.' These claims are entirely unfounded and without any legitimate evidence. Such narratives are not only irresponsible but are clearly intended to malign the Kuki-Zo community and disrupt the already fragile connectivity between Kuki-Zo inhabited regions of Manipur, the KZC stated. The KZC urged the central government to reject these 'divisive and baseless allegations' and, instead, take steps to improve the German-Tiger Road and Singheu Road as essential inter-district lifelines.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Kuki-Zo council rejects drug route allegations, defends key roads
The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) strongly condemns the baseless and malicious accusations being circulated by certain Meitei groups branding the German-Tiger Road and Singheu Road as "drug routes." Foothills Naga Coordination Committee ( FNCC ) has declared an indefinite bandh on the movement of Kukis within the foothill regions of Naga-inhabited areas, effective from midnight of July 18. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Select a Course Category healthcare Degree CXO Project Management others Leadership Others MBA Digital Marketing PGDM Operations Management Finance Data Analytics Design Thinking Healthcare Data Science Product Management Artificial Intelligence Data Science Public Policy Cybersecurity MCA Management Technology Skills you'll gain: Duration: 11 Months IIM Lucknow CERT-IIML Healthcare Management India Starts on undefined Get Details KZC stated these claims are entirely unfounded and without any legitimate evidence. Such narratives are not only irresponsible but are clearly intended to malign the Kuki-Zo community and disrupt the already fragile connectivity between Kuki-Zo inhabited regions of Manipur. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Crack NSAT and Win Scholarships | Register Now Narayana Group Sign Up Undo Ginza Vualzong a leader of KZC stated it must be categorically stated that the German-Tiger road is a humanitarian lifeline that was initiated by Kuki-Zo civil society organizations out of sheer necessity. Following the ethnic violence that erupted on 3rd May 2023, it became unsafe and impossible for Kuki-Zo people to travel through Meitei-dominated areas. As a result, the community had no choice but to revive and upgrade an old inter-village track, now known as the German-Tiger Road, to connect the districts of Churachandpur and Kangpokpi. Similarly, as Sugnu is no longer accessible, we are compelled to depend solely on the Singheu route to stay connected with Churachandpur, Chandel, and Tengnoupal, despite the absence of a viable bridge." Live Events He added that these roads serve critical civilian needs: transporting essential goods, school children, patients in need of medical care, and ordinary passengers. It is not a military or commercial route but a community-led initiative to ensure basic survival and connectivity for a people cut off from the rest of the state due to ongoing hostilities and the collapse of inter-community trust. The kuki body stated,"Accusing the German-Tiger Road and Singheu road of being a conduit for illicit activities without presenting credible evidence is nothing short of a deliberate attempt to criminalize the Kuki-Zo community and to isolate us further. We call upon the central governments to reject these divisive and baseless allegations and instead, take steps to improve the German-Tiger Road and Singheu Road as essential inter district lifelines." KZC, "Let it be made clear: The German-Tiger Road and Singheu Road symbolize resilience, not criminality. It reflects a community's will to survive amid violence, displacement, and blockade. Any effort to undermine or disrupt the connectivity of the Kuki-Zo community clearly reflects a deeper intent to marginalize and dismantle the Kuki-Zo people." B. Robin Kabui, Secretary of the FNCC, the first concern is the proposed construction of the German and Tiger roads through Naga ancestral territories without prior knowledge or consent of the Naga people. The committee termed it a blatant disregard for traditional ownership rights. A road constructed in the hill region called the 'German road' has raised concern in the wake of violence Manipur. The road built privately during the ethnic conflict connects Churachandpur to Kangpokpi. It is named after German H Kuki, leader of the Kuki National Front-Military Council (KNF-MC), a militant group based in Manipur. It is said that the road was constructed on the initiative of militant leader German. The road was opened for people in 2024. There are several Kaccha roads linking Churachandpur to neighbouring Mizoram. There are roads between Churachandpur and Myanmar. Myanmar shares a border with Churachandpur. Earlier the Manipur Naga Youth Organisation (MNYO) had expressed strong opposition to the proposed construction of the Tiger/German Road from Motbung in Kangpokpi district to Churachandpur, citing concerns over the road's naming. The organisation urged the Government of India and relevant authorities to reconsider the project and its implications. According to the organisation, the term 'Tiger/German Road' is associated with Kuki armed groups, which the organisation finds objectionable. FNCC stated the second issue raised is the alleged continued presence of illegal Suspension of Operation (SoO) camps of Kuki militant groups in Naga areas, which the FNCC claims poses a serious threat to peace and security. 'Thirdly, the FNCC highlighted the unchecked cultivation of poppy plantations, which it claims not only harms the environment but also fuels drug addiction and criminal activity, thereby endangering the social fabric'. The organisation added, 'These encroachments and activities, if allowed to persist, will irreversibly harm the heritage, security, and future of the Naga people. It further called on Naga bodies and tribal councils to unite in defending their ancestral domain". Meiteis, belonging to the erstwhile ruling class, account for 53% of Manipur's population and live mostly in the Imphal valley. Naga and Kuki tribes constitute 40% of the population and live in the hill districts. More than 260 people have been killed and around 70,000 people of different communities rendered homeless in the ethnic violence between the Meiteis and Kuki-Zo-Hmar communities since May 3. Manipur has been under President's Rule since February 13, four days after the resignation of N. Biren Singh from the Chief Minister's post.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Kuki-Zo road project sparks bandh call in Manipur's Naga-majority areas
Guwahati: An indefinite bandh for movement of Kuki-Zo people through Naga-inhabited areas in Manipur has been declared by the Foothills Naga Coordination Committee (FNCC) since Friday, primarily to protest the 'unauthorised construction' of the 'Tiger Road'. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The 'Tiger Road (also known as German Road)' is a voluntary road project initiated by Kuki-Zo organisations to connect Churachandpur and Kangpokpi districts. The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) has appealed to the Naga body to immediately lift the bandh and allow the safe passage of Kuki-Zo people through the Naga-inhabited areas of the state. It said in the aftermath of the outbreak of ethnic conflict between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities in May 2023, the Kuki-Zo people "have been left with no viable option but to seek alternate routes for movement, as transit through Meitei-dominated areas has become unsafe and impossible. " "We firmly believe that any misunderstandings or grievances can and should be addressed through peaceful dialogue and mutual respect," the KZC stated. The bandh supporters have imposed road blocks at several strategic points at Makhan in Kangpokpi district, Tongjei Maril (Old Cachar Road), Dolang Chiru, Tupul to Noney Road, Tupul-Noney Junction and Longsai-Khoupum Road in Noney district, disrupting the movement of people and vehicles. The FNCC contends that the construction of the German and Tiger roads through Naga ancestral lands without their consent is a "blatant disregard of our traditional ownership and rights over our land". The FNCC also insists on the dismantling of Suspension of Operations (SoO) camps of Kuki militant groups, asserting that their presence near Naga areas poses a security threat and constitutes an illegal settlement in Naga territory. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The committee also condemned illegal poppy cultivation in the region, linking it to the ongoing demographic and territorial issues. The bandh is backed by major Naga civil bodies such as the Eastern Liangmai Naga Chief Chairman Association and a coalition of Naga tribal bodies. The FNCC has described the bandh as a "peaceful but firm protest" and called for Naga community unity. It warns that continued unauthorised activities by Kukis, including road renaming and expansion, will be regarded as acts of provocation and aggression in Naga territories.
